Critical Moments

What is a Critical Moment?

Critical Moments are recognised when reflecting back on our past. They are

events in our life that are considered to be highly consequential and, as a result, are

what lead us here.

This presentation features a time line of two people’s critical moments which has led them to

university today

Louise

Student Councillor of the leadership team

In my last year of school I was a part of the student leadership team and my committee was the social justice committee. In this committee we raised money, visited the elderly and helped out around the school and local community. For all my work during this year in the committee I received the community award at our awards night for 2008.

School Formal

Graduation

schoolies

Turning 18

Saying Goodbye to Friends

Finding out OP

II achieved the OP I wanted and was accepted into my first preference at Griffith University. I decided upon a bachelor of psychology as I enjoyed helping people at school.

Accepted into Griffith University

Erin

I decided after the end of Grade 11 that school wasn’t for me anymore. At the time I chose to

leave I thought my motivation was sound. But on reflection I realise it was driven by dissatisfaction and a feeling of going nowhere fast. School was

boring for me. I felt like it had nothing left to teach me because it lacked challenge, which I believed I

would find by entering the adult world.

Leaving School

After working for over a year I finally followed through on an opportunity to travel overseas to

work. Seeing a new culture, country and learning a new language made me want to see more of the

world.

After travelling I came home, back to the same friends and peers who were doing the same things as when I

left. I realised then that I was in a bad place and decided to make a move away.

An opportunity came up to visit an old acquaintance. So I up and moved country

with only a suitcase.

Final relocation

After six months living in Cairns my health forced a

move out of the far tropical north to the Gold Coast.

I had plans to keep going from there via the USA for a

round the world working holiday...BUT

ChildrenA girl and a boy, with 5 years between....put a halt on that!

Then single...Young, struggling and very

little income. I decided this was not for me, I needed to do something more to increase my skills and get a better job.

Further Study

I tried TAFE and although it was not the right course for me, it gave me the self belief that I was

lacking to take the bigger and better step to further and higher education. I fulfilled the requirements for entry as an adult student by completing a STAT

test at Griffith, Gold Coast campus.

Final Destination

Although we have two very different stories we’ve both ended

up in the same place.

LouiseGriffith University Sign: http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/images/griffith_400.jpg Soundtrack: Light Surrounding you, Evermore, Light Surrounding you- EP, 2006.

Erin:Globe in Hands: j0433132.jpg, Microsoft ClipartBlack and Yellow ducks; www.parmsplace.com/images/feeling_left_out.bmp Suitcase picture http://www.mississaugachildrenschoir.com/Images/Vancouver/mcj031098600001.pngGlobe: j0438061.png; Microsoft ClipartStork and baby: j0438507.jpg, Microsoft Clipart Soundtrack: Yesterday to Tomorrow; Audioslave. Out of Exile, Polydor, 2005.Griffith University Sign: http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/images/griffith_400.jpg

Credits